In northern Idaho, 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille -- pronounced "pon-der-ray" -- flanks the scenic town of Sandpoint. A profusion of mountain peaks from the Selkirk and Cabinet ranges dominates the skyline in all directions, and the chair lifts of Schweitzer Mountain are mere minutes away. Camp in this profoundly beautiful area, with its lake, forests and mountains that offer different sights and activities throughout the changing seasons.

Lakeside

If you like to swim, sail or spot osprey, hunt or fish, then you will enjoy lakeside camping at one of three Forest Service campgrounds. Green Bay and Whiskey Rock (fs.usda.gov) each has less than 12 campsites, a swimming area, and are free, which means they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sam Owen Campground (recreation.gov) has 80 reserved campsites, a swimming beach, flush toilets, dumping area, but no hookups for water or electricity. You can also camp along the shores of Pend Oreille River a few miles west of town where you’ll find a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground, Springy Point (reservation.gov).

State Parks

If you like to explore state parks, Idaho (parksandrecreation.idaho.gov) has two that are near Sandpoint. Farragut, 26 miles south of Sandpoint, is the only one where you can camp at Lake Pend Oreille. At one time, it was a World War II Navy training facility, which you can learn about at the park museum. Explore more than 4,000 acres and even rent horses. Round Lake State Park is 10 miles south of Sandpoint, and it is only 102 acres, with 32 standard campsites and 16 with seasonal hookups. You can camp at both parks year-round.

Backcountry

If you seek back-country solitude, the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains that surround Sandpoint hide glacial lakes above the timberline. Dispersed camping requires that you backpack into remote wilderness areas thick with pines and rich with wildlife. When you camp in the Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) lands surrounding Sandpoint, take precautions with campfires and check with the Sandpoint Ranger District at 208-263-5111 for current fire restrictions. You can pitch your tent on any durable surface at least 100 feet from any water source and pack out what you pack in, leaving behind no trace of your camping.

RV Camping

One of the biggest challenges for RVs can be size, especially when traveling through mountainous and rural areas such as northern Idaho. Choose from a number of “big-rig” friendly campgrounds in addition to RV sites at the state parks. During the summer, Schweitzer Mountain Resort (schweitzer.com) offers free RV parking overnight, but they do not have hookups. In winter, they charge a nightly fee and advise an early arrival because maneuvering can be more difficult. About 22 miles north of Sandpoint on Highway 95, Blue Lake RV Resort (bluelakervresort.com) offers the opportunity to watch for osprey and moose.

Seasons

Sandpoint is an all-seasons' camping destination, depending upon your climate and activity preferences. You will discover mild summer days with bright blue skies, and in the winter deep mountain snows and temperatures that stay above zero. Spring and fall can be rainy and cool with unexpected swings in temperature. The average annual low temperature is 19 and the high is 80 (reference 8). Bring appropriate clothing layers for your favorite activities, from beach swimming to boating, or mountain biking to alpine skiing. Your Sandpoint campsite will be your base for seasonal recreation.

About the Author

Charli Mills has covered the natural food industry since 2001 as a marketing communications manager for a highly successful retail cooperative. She built teams, brands and strategies. She is a writer and editor of "This is Living Naturally," a consultant for Carrot Ranch Communications and a Master Cooperative Communicator.